Transport Research Laboratory (No. 2)

EDM number 1034 in 1993-94, proposed by Joan Walley on 18/04/1994.

That this House applauds the work of the Transport Research Laboratory which for the last 60 years has played a vital role in researching aspects of transport policy relating to safety, pollution and efficiency; particularly recognises the appreciation by the general public on the importance of work undertaken in respect of seat belts, passenger safety and car design including bumper safety; considers that the fragmentation of complementary work previously carried out at Warren Springs Laboratory as a result of its recent merger with the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority is sufficient warning to avoid similar dismantling of expertise, intellectual property rights and resources at the Transport Research Laboratory; believes that the Government was premature in announcing a decision to privatise the Laboratory prior to the promised review after three years of its Agency status; further believes that privatisation will lead to further fragmentation of the unique facilities and in the interests of national safety and public concern; and calls upon the Government immediately to withdraw its proposal to privatise the Transport Research Laboratory thereby ensuring a future for the essential independent and impartial service it provides.

This motion has been signed by a total of 62 MPs.